284 THE BEAGLE. 
than that animal, and has stouter limbs, and a comparatively larger body. The height of 
this Dog is from a foot to fourteen or fifteen inches. 
The “Rough Beagle is thought to be produced by crossing the original stock with the 
rough terrier, and possesses the squeaking bark of the terrier rather than the prolonged 
ae intonation of the Beagle. Some authorities, however, take the animal to be a 
distinct variety. The nose of this creature is furnished with the stiff whisker-hairs which 
are found on the muzzle of the rough terrier, and the fur is nearly as stiff and wiry as the 
terrier’s. 
The Dwarf Beagle, or Rabbit Beagle, as it is sometimes called, is the smallest of the 
three animals, delicate in form and aspect, but good of nose and swift of foot. So very 
small are some of these little creatures that a whole pack has been conveyed to and from 
the field in hampers slung over the back of a horse, or simply in the shooting pockets of 
the men. Their strength was thus preserved for the labours of the field, and they were 
BEAGLE.—Canis faniliaris. 
saved from the fatiguing walk to the field and back again. Ten inches is the average 
height of a Rabbit Beagle. 
These little Dogs are chiefly employed by those who hunt on foot, as they are not 
sufficiently swift to drive the hare from her doubles, and by patiently tracking her through 
all her wiles, “ win like Fabius, by delay.” Beagles used to be much in favour with the 
junior members of the universities, for the purpose of affording a pleasant afternoon’s 
amusement. It is true that the legitimate object of chase, namely, the hare, is seldom 
forthcoming, but her place is readily supplied by a long-winded lad, who traverses the 
country at ‘speed, trailing after him a rabbit-skin well rubbed with turpentine or aniseed. 
If the scent be good, and the course lie tolerably straight, the endurance of the hunter 
is severely tested, but if the miniature hounds come often toa check, any one of average 
powers can be in at the finish. 
